Cricket

New Zealand Embarks on Sri Lanka Tour with Echoes of 2019As New Zealand prepares to tour Sri Lanka, parallels to their previous visit in 2019 emerge. Back then, the world was on the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Sri Lanka was recovering from Rangana Herath's retirement. Today, the pandemic has subsided, and Herath returns as New Zealand's spin-bowling coach.However, similarities abound. Sri Lanka enters the series buoyed by a historic Test win in England, mirroring their 2019 triumph in South Africa. Both tours also coincide with presidential election years.New Zealand's squad remains largely unchanged, with a few retirements and new faces. Despite their third-place ranking in the World Test Championship, they face a daunting task with two Tests in spin-friendly Galle, where they have never won.Sri Lanka has experienced a rollercoaster year, with strong performances against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, followed by a disappointing T20 World Cup and a series win against India. Their recent victory in England has boosted their confidence ahead of this home series.Key Players to Watch:* Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): The left-arm spinner has an exceptional record at Galle, with 53 wickets in 12 innings.* Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): The all-rounder has shown promise in white-ball cricket and is expected to play a crucial role in the subcontinent.Team News:Sri Lanka is likely to retain their winning combination, with Kusal Mendis taking the gloves and Dinesh Chandimal moving up the order. Ramesh Mendis will provide support to Jayasuriya in the spin department.New Zealand's playing XI is largely settled, with Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel leading the spin attack. The only question mark is the second seam option alongside Tim Southee.Pitch and Conditions:Rain is expected throughout the Test, making winning the toss and batting first crucial. The Galle surface typically deteriorates by days four and five.Stats and Trivia:* Only five teams have opted not to bat first after winning the toss in Galle, with two winning.* Lahiru Kumara is four wickets away from 100 Test wickets.* Henry Nicholls needs 27 runs to reach 3,000 Test runs.* New Zealand has lost all four Tests they have played in Galle.* Tim Southee has taken the most wickets (64) against Sri Lanka among active players.Quotes:"Chandimal took up the gloves and played in the middle order for the sake of the team, but he won't be keeping in this Test, which means he will move up to number three." - Sri Lanka interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya"Having just his experience and knowledge of conditions here in this part of the world, and particularly a ground that he had a lot of success on, has been great." - New Zealand captain Tim Southee on Rangana Herath's expertise.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes the upcoming two-Test series against India will provide a valuable assessment of his team's international standing. The Tigers are coming off a triumphant 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, but Hathurusingha acknowledges the challenge posed by India, the current leaders of the World Test Championship (WTC) table."We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world," said Hathurusingha. "Playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it."Hathurusingha praised the "most rounded" Bangladesh squad he has ever seen, featuring eight specialist batters, six bowlers, and two all-rounders. He highlighted the experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who played key roles in the Pakistan series."Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket," said Hathurusingha. "He gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, thanks to his all-round abilities."Regarding the pitch, Hathurusingha described it as "sporting" but cautioned that it could change significantly during the match.

India's Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has emphasized that his team remains unfazed by the fact that every team relishes the opportunity to defeat India. Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit stated that the Indian team is solely focused on executing their game plan."We understand that every team enjoys beating India, but we don't dwell on that," Rohit said at a press conference. "Our focus is on our own performance and achieving our objectives."Rohit acknowledged Bangladesh's recent Test series victory in Pakistan, but he expressed confidence in his team's preparation. "We've had a productive camp in Chennai and are well-prepared," he said.Regarding the potential inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI, Rohit expressed his belief in Rahul's abilities. "KL Rahul has the talent to succeed in Test cricket," Rohit said. "I have no doubt that he can be successful in this format."With the World Test Championship (WTC) final in sight, Rohit stressed the importance of every match. "Every game is crucial when playing for the country," he said. "We're not treating this series as a dress rehearsal for Australia. We need to start the season strongly and accumulate WTC points."India's upcoming schedule includes a five-Test series in Australia in November, following the two Tests against Bangladesh and three Tests against New Zealand at home.

India's rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal stands on the cusp of etching his name in the annals of Test cricket history. As India prepare to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series commencing on September 19 in Chennai, Jaiswal is poised to achieve a remarkable milestone.With 1,028 runs already accumulated in the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the 22-year-old prodigy needs just 132 more runs to become the Indian batter with the most runs in a single edition of the WTC. The current record is held by former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, who amassed 1,159 runs in the 2019-21 WTC cycle.Should Jaiswal accomplish this feat, he will surpass Rahane's milestone and become the first Indian batter to achieve this distinction. Notably, Jaiswal is one of only three Indian players to score over 1,000 runs in a single WTC cycle, alongside Rahane and India captain Rohit Sharma.At present, Jaiswal is tied with England's Ben Duckett for second place in the WTC 2023-25 scoring charts, both with 1,028 runs. However, he remains 371 runs behind Joe Root, who leads with 1,398 runs.Since making his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies in Roseau, Jaiswal has played 9 Tests, amassing 1,028 runs at an impressive average of 68.53. His record includes three centuries, four half-centuries, and two double centuries.India currently lead the WTC standings with a points percentage of 68.52. After the Bangladesh series, their WTC schedule includes three Tests against New Zealand at home and a challenging five-Test series away against Australia.Bangladesh, fresh from a historic 2-0 whitewash over Pakistan, will pose a strong challenge. They won the first Test by 10 wickets and secured a six-wicket victory in the second, marking their first-ever Test series win against Pakistan on Pakistani soil.

Rishabh Pant, the "Gabba" conqueror, is poised to make a triumphant return to Test cricket nearly two years after a life-altering car crash in December 2022. The accident left him with severe injuries, but the Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman has made a remarkable recovery and is ready to don the Test whites once again.Pant's return to competitive cricket came earlier this year in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he led the Delhi Capitals (DC). Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and an extended rehabilitation period, Pant showed no signs of rust, leading DC to a successful campaign."It's a remarkable comeback, honestly," said DC's former head coach Ricky Ponting. "The mental and physical challenges he faced were unimaginable, but he overcame them with determination and resilience."Pant's successful IPL return paved the way for his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, where he played a key role in the team's victory. His return to Test cricket is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the belief that he can still be a force to be reckoned with.The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will be an emotional moment for Pant, as he steps onto the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19. It will be a reminder of his journey back from adversity and the indomitable spirit that has defined his career.Pant's return to the Test team also brings back memories of his epic 89 not out at The Gabba in Brisbane in January 2021. His innings helped India chase down a daunting 328-run target and win the series against Australia, breaking their long-standing fortress at the stadium.As India prepares to travel to Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in December, Pant's presence in the Test team will be crucial. His experience and match-winning ability will be invaluable as India looks to retain the trophy and continue their dominance in Test cricket.

Australia's Nathan Lyon, a seasoned off-spinner, exudes confidence in his team's ability to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) from India during the upcoming Aussie summer. The BGT, which will be contested over five Tests for the first time, holds immense significance as it could determine a place in the World Test Championship final.Lyon, who has been meticulously analyzing the Indian batsmen since England's tour of India earlier this year, believes Australia will emerge victorious with a resounding 5-0 scoreline. He emphasizes the need for Australia's top batsmen to deliver substantial centuries to put pressure on India's pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah."We need big runs. We need the guys who are talented enough to get the hundred. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, all the top order. I don't want 101 or 107, I want 180 and 200," Lyon asserted.The pain of not winning the BGT since 2014 has been palpable among Australian cricketers. Lyon, who has played a pivotal role in Australia's Test success, is eager to end this drought and bring the trophy back home."It's been 10 years since we have won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I started thinking about this series when England were over in India... I love the game and I will watch a decent Test match, but I have had eyes on this series (BGT) for a long time now," Lyon said.Lyon's confidence stems from his meticulous preparation and understanding of the Indian batsmen's strengths and weaknesses. He has been taking notes and seeking insights from other spinners who have recently toured India."I had a really good chat with Tom Hartley (England spinner), just about the way he went about it, when (Yashasvi) Jaiswal went after him. That's something I picked up from him," Lyon revealed.With the BGT set to commence in December, the anticipation is building. Lyon's bold prediction has added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an enthralling series that could reshape the landscape of Test cricket.

On December 26, 2003, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virender Sehwag etched his name into cricketing history with a blistering 195-run knock against Australia. The match, the third Test of the series, was a crucial one for both teams, with India holding a 1-0 lead.Sehwag, opening the batting with Aakash Chopra, faced a barrage of bouncers from Brett Lee but remained unfazed. His trademark shots, including powerful drives through the covers and flicks through mid-wicket, sent shockwaves through the Australian bowling attack.Reaching his fifty off 78 balls, Sehwag accelerated his innings, reaching his century off 144 deliveries. As he approached his 150, the crowd erupted in anticipation of a maiden double century. However, fate had a different plan.With the score on 195, part-time bowler Simon Katich delivered a juicy full toss on the middle stump. Sehwag, eager to reach the milestone with a six, swung his bat but mistimed it, sending the ball straight to Nathan Bracken at deep mid-wicket.Despite the disappointment of falling short of his double century, Sehwag's innings had been a masterclass in aggressive batting. His 233-ball knock included 5 sixes and 25 fours, leaving an indelible mark on the match and the series.In true Sehwag style, he later stated that he would have played the same shot again, regardless of his score. His fearless approach and unwavering belief in his abilities made him one of the most feared batsmen of his generation.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Faces Jasprit Bumrah's Test in Preparation for Bangladesh SeriesIndia's rising star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is gearing up for his second Test season with a stern challenge from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. During the ongoing camp, Jaiswal faced a barrage of deliveries from Bumrah, who repeatedly sent his off-stump flying.Jaiswal, who boasts an impressive record of over 1000 runs in his first nine Tests, has been touted as a future star. However, concerns have been raised about his form on bouncy tracks, particularly evident during India's tour of South Africa.In the nets on Monday, Bumrah tested Jaiswal's technique with pace, bounce, and swing. Jaiswal struggled to judge the deliveries, often mistiming his shots. Even net bowlers like Simarjeet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Gurjanpreet Singh managed to beat his bat repeatedly.Seasoned player Virat Kohli observed Jaiswal's struggles and offered guidance. Both players batted for about an hour, with Kohli showcasing his impeccable cover drive and on-drive. Jaiswal focused on leaving deliveries, particularly from Bumrah, on a pitch with significant bounce.As the session progressed, Jaiswal appeared more comfortable against spinners, while Rishabh Pant displayed his batting prowess against left-arm spinners.Jaiswal's preparation is crucial as he aims to maintain his reputation and perform well in the upcoming season. He will need to address his vulnerabilities before taking on international bowlers like those from Bangladesh and Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah's Iconic Bowling Action Remains Unchanged: Mumbai Indians' Viral Video Sparks ExcitementMumbai Indians ignited a frenzy on social media with a captivating video showcasing Jasprit Bumrah's signature bowling action. The post, part of the "10-year challenge," juxtaposes Bumrah's bowling technique from 2014 to 2024. Despite the passage of time, fans were mesmerized by the uncanny resemblance in his unique delivery, underscoring why Bumrah is hailed as one of India's greatest fast bowlers.The video's release coincides with Bumrah's unexpected inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Having last featured in red-ball cricket in March 2024, many anticipated Bumrah's exclusion, particularly given the demanding international schedule ahead, including Tests against New Zealand and a highly anticipated series against Australia later this year. However, selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, appear to have a different strategy.Bumrah's selection for the Bangladesh series is likely a calculated move to ensure the pacer remains match-fit for the upcoming crucial fixtures. Bumrah has been India's indispensable bowler in overseas conditions, especially in Australia, where his ability to generate bounce and swing has been instrumental. With 32 wickets in just seven matches in Australia, his record speaks volumes. His potential to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy means India cannot afford to have a rusty Bumrah stepping straight into action.The first Test against Bangladesh, commencing in Chennai, provides an ideal opportunity for Bumrah to gradually reintegrate into red-ball cricket. While spin is expected to dominate the series, Bumrah's workload will likely be carefully managed, possibly playing just one Test to fine-tune his rhythm.Bumrah's inclusion in the Test squad has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts. Some argue that it is a prudent decision to ensure his fitness for the upcoming challenges, while others believe it is unnecessary to risk his well-being in a series where spin is likely to play a more significant role.Regardless of the differing opinions, Bumrah's iconic bowling action remains a sight to behold. The Mumbai Indians' viral video serves as a testament to his unwavering consistency and exceptional talent. As India gears up for a challenging international schedule, Bumrah's presence in the squad provides a sense of reassurance and anticipation.